Frequently Asked Questions

COMMUNITY NOTIFICATION SOME QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

WHAT IS COMMUNITY NOTIFICATION?

Community notification can take place in a variety of ways, depending on the offender and the circumstances. Law Enforcement and Child Welfare Services are notified of the presence of all sex offenders on supervision. Predatory sex offenders receive additional notification. At a minimum, libraries, all school districts, shopping malls, Star of Hope, public swimming pools, Head Start and several others are notified by flyer.

An offender who exhibits characteristics showing a tendency to victimize or injure others and who has been convicted of a sex crime. The "predatory" designation allows the community corrections office or law enforcement agency to notify the community about a particular sex offender.

ARE ALL SEX OFFENDERS CONSIDERED "PREDATORY?"

No. The Board of Parole and Post Prison Supervision (for parolees) and Community Corrections (for probationers) must make a finding of predatory, based on an assessment of the offender's crimes and history. This assessment is based, in part, on previous history and the facts surrounding the sex offense conviction.

WHAT IS A PEDOPHILE?

A pedophile is a sex offender who prefers sexual contact with children rather than adults. Not all child molesters are pedophiles. In fact, this is a small percent of the sex offender population, yet very dangerous.

ARE ALL SEX OFFENDERS MONITORED AND SUPERVISED?

No. Only those offenders who have been sentenced, and who are currently serving a period of community supervision (either on parole or probation) are being supervised. Unfortunately many sex offenses are never reported.

All convicted sex offenders are required to register their address with law enforcement authorities after being sentenced to probation, upon release from prison or upon moving to Oregon from another state. Registration of current address and community notification are not the same.

WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF SUPERVISION IMPOSED ON SEX OFFENDERS?

No contact with minor males and females and shall not frequent any place where minors are likely to congregate (e.g., playgrounds, schoolgrounds, arcades) without prior written approval of a supervising officer;
Offender shall submit to random polygraph tests as a part of a sex offender surveillance program;
Offender shall enter and complete or be successfully discharged from a recognized and approved sex offender treatment program which may include polygraph and/or plethysmograph testing and a prohibition on possession of printed, photographed or recorded materials that the offender may use for the purpose of deviant sexual arousal;
Limited or prohibited contact with certain persons.

HOW ARE SEX OFFENDERS SUPERVISED ONCE RELEASED TO THE COMMUNITY?

Sex offenders are required to report to their parole or probation officer. Regular unannounced home visits are conducted to ensure compliance with conditions. Sex offenders are required to complete sex offender treatment and take polygraph tests.

IS TREATMENT FOR SEX OFFENDERS EFFECTIVE?

Yes, if the offender is motivated and willing to change. Treatment can increase safety as long as the offender follows the treatment plan.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY CHILDREN IF A SEX OFFENDER IS LIVING IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD?

You may caution your children about this person. It is recommended you take this opportunity to talk to your children about sexual abuse. Nine out of ten sex offenses are committed by someone the child knows and trusts. The majority of sex offenders are not known to law enforcement. You should encourage your children to talk to you about anyone who makes them uncomfortable or touches them inappropriately. For more information about talking to your child about sex abuse contact your school or local law enforcement agency.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SEE A KNOWN SEX OFFENDER TALKING WITH CHILDREN IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD?

Contact the Parole/Probation Officer or police. Report as much detail as possible.

WHO SHOULD I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS OR WANT TO REPORT A SUSPICIOUS INCIDENT OR PERSON?

If you know the person is on supervision, contact the Parole/Probation Officer. Otherwise, contact your local law enforcement agency. Offenders use secrecy as a method to continue their sexual abuse. Community involvement greatly enhances the successful monitoring of offenders in your community.

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